AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Kira’s father doesn’t know about her.” I toy with the hem of my shirt to calm my nerves. “I haven’t told him yet.”
“Why?” he asks with keen interest.
“Because I’m afraid he won’t accept her,” I answer truthfully. I really don’t care where things end with Brandon and me, but the thought of Kira being rejected is something I can’t stand. I would kill for my daughter; I’ll hate myself if I can’t give her all the love she deserves.
Brandon's words hold a hint of seriousness as he speaks, "Only a fool would do that." He pauses for a moment before continuing, "Kira is a very precious girl, and you..." His jaw clenches, his frustration evident. I tilt my head, waiting for him to finish his sentence. "You are..." He takes a deep breath before meeting my eyes with a determined gaze. "Listen closely because I won't repeat myself. Any man would be lucky to have you and Kira in their lives. Scratch that, even I would consider myself lucky to have both of you."
I can't take this seriously, so I let out a small laugh.
Brandon's expression softens and he continues, "No, I'm fucking serious. I won't sit here and listen to you doubt yourself like this. You are perfect, don't ever forget that."
CHAPTER 12
Brandon
Anya's ex-partner is unaware of Kira's existence, leading me to believe he doesn't know that she is his daughter.
Strangely enough, this makes me even more curious if she could be mine. I've researched everything possible on conception and have even consulted a doctor friend from my time in the navy force to go over my timeline. All evidence indicates that Kira's age lines up with how old she would be if she was indeed my child. The temptation to find out for sure is strong, but I am hesitant to bring it up with Anya until I am absolutely certain.
It's a delicate subject that could potentially cause more harm than good if not handled carefully. Despite trying to push it out of my thoughts, the question of Kira's paternity lingers in the back of my mind, growing stronger with each passing day. It feels like something unfinished that won't let me rest until I know the truth. If it turns out that she is mine, I would want to be a part of her life, but perhaps I am getting ahead of myself.
“Did you mean it when you said you would kiss me again if you ever got another chance?” Anya’s blue eyes hold mine as she waits for my answer. She hasn’t changed one bit; she’s still just as bold, and her smiles are still just as contagious.
The fact that she's a mother doesn't bother me. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to climb out of this dark place and make something of myself, even if it means competing for her affections. But there's another complication - she used to date Spencer. He wouldn't approve if he knew what I was thinking, but that doesn't stop me from nodding in agreement. "Yes," I respond with a sigh. It's not as straightforward as I hoped it would be.
Anya’s expression softens at my statement. A charming smile takes up the entirety of her beautiful face. “It's okay, Brandon,” she says gently. “I understand how complicated everything is. I’ll forgive you if we ever have that kiss.”
“And if we don’t?” I ask, disregarding the hunch I already have of what her answer might be.
She shrugs. “No forgiveness. Nothing good comes easy.”
My lips curl. I’m more than grateful she’s back to her old playful self. “I think I’ll have to make that kiss happen then.”
A sudden tension seizes my body at those words.
It feels like a sharp crack in my soul, every nerve in my body feels alive with energy, pulsing and vibrating with intensity. My mind races with thoughts and emotions - our lips meeting, the gentle brush of her fingers against my skin, the electric current that pulsed between us. We kissed - a single, fleeting moment that left an incredible mark on my heart. It’s like a part of me that had been caged for so long has finally broken free.
Anya gently grasped my head with both hands, pulling me closer to her. Our kiss is sweet and tender, our breaths entwining as we melt into each other. The taste of her on my lips is just as intoxicating as the very first time we had shared a kiss. It was like coming home after a long journey - familiar yet exhilarating all at once. In that moment, there is nothing else in the world but the two of us, lost in our own little bubble of blissful affection.
I yearn for the feeling of her body against mine, the warmth and the electricity, and all the taboo delights we can share.
However, I must control myself. I do not want to expose her to my troubled mind or burden her with the weight of the darkness that has been haunting me. I pull away from the kiss and gaze at her with all my heart. "You are incredible and I want to spend more time with you," I say with sincerity. "I will tell you about the mission when the timing is right. Please be patient with me, I don't want to hurt you again and I promise I will do everything I can to make it right this time." I wonder if Anya will become irritated, but she just smiles at me and nods in understanding. So I continue: “During dinner the other day, you mentioned wanting to make more money while having the time to take care of Kira. I have been thinking of hiring someone to babysit Alessa for a while. My mother is doing a good job at it already, but I’d prefer if she has someone younger and fitter around her,” I continue, choosing my words carefully. “And I think you'd be the perfect fit for the job.”
Her eyes widen in surprise, but she doesn't dismiss the idea outright.
She’s witty, I’m not surprised she caught on so quickly. Yes. I think it’ll have a good influence on Alessa if she spends time around Anya, whose energy is unmatched. Who is intelligent, hardworking, and a great mother from what I’ve seen. If I could get married and choose a mother for my daughter, it would be someone like Anya.
“I’m a single mother, Brandon. I don’t know how much of a good influence I’ll be to your daughter.”
“You are an amazing woman and mother. And it’s also not your fault you got knocked up by an asshole.”
A slow, teasing smile quirks her lips. “Careful how you speak about my baby daddy, Brandon.”
I don’t want to be careful. If Anya couldn’t open up to him about being pregnant, then he’s not reliable. That is what I think at least.
What if it’s you, asshole?
“No offense,” I tell her.
